Web Design for Kids (...And Curious Grownups!) (Click Drag Solutions)
OK, here's one resource you may not have heard of yet.
"Web Design for Kids" is a DVD, an hour and twenty-two minutes long, that teaches the basics of HTML page formatting. Kids these days are supposed to be so good at computers--ask any grownup, it's one of the biggest clichés around--but often they're lacking actual computer literacy. Brian Richardson (more about him here) wrote this short course to combat that problem. It's not software; it's a DVD to watch on TV, optimally with a computer close at hand so you can try it out yourself. (Like watching a cooking show in the kitchen.) We have a TV in the same room as the computer, so we had them both going at once; others have managed with a laptop.
Surprisingly, that's all you need to practice, assuming your computer is running Windows®--you don't even need an Internet connection unless you want to upload your creation (and that's not really covered in this DVD--probably in the sequel, planned for the near future). The course is based on Notepad and Internet Explorer (and also Paint). (It can also be used with a Mac.) If that sounds too old-fashioned, consider what Brian Richardson says: "To finally drive my point home even further, while hopefully increasing the validity of the DVD, I took the liberty to hand-code this whole entire website with just Notepad, HTML, and a couple of free javascripts ( The javascripts only account for approximately 5% of the code. The other 95% was done by hand! It took a lot of typing, but it works and is functional.)"
What do you actually learn?
Topics included are:
The 10 Basic Lines of Code
Coloring the Background and Letters
Making Letters Move Across the Screen
Designer Backgrounds
Changing Fonts
Adding Pictures
Bonus Chapter on File and Folder Management
Who is this for?
The recommended age is 8 and up. Ponytails (middle schooler) watched the whole thing in two sittings, set up a page by herself, and was done. (Since then I've caught her jotting HTML coding on restaurant napkins and at other odd moments.) Crayons (going into third grade) wasn't as interested, and had trouble juggling the computer and the DVD remote while trying to pay attention to Mr. Richardson. They both had occasional what-did-he-say moments with his different-from-here accent.
The Apprentice (going into her last year of high school) learned all this stuff years ago (using a video, library books etc.), and she wasn't crazy about the somewhat simplified formatting used in this course. Using capital letters, for instance, isn't standard. (You'll see it in the clip--the formatting, I mean, not the Apprentice's opinion.)
As far as overall watchability goes, they thought it was just a bit on the slow side (especially the file management bonus section), and that the children's parts sounded a bit too scripted. If you watch the one-minute sample clip on the website, you'll see what they mean. But that's just a minor point.
Where do you get it?
Right now the company is having a Summer Special, and the DVD is 50% off. The regular price is $40, but during the sale it's $19.99 plus $3.99 shipping and handling. You can order it online or by phone (see the website for details).
Final opinion:
The cost at full price would be a bit of a sticker for me (considering how fast Ponytails finished the DVD), but some of the profits are going to help support The Smile Train, Ronald McDonald House, Childrens Miracle Network, Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, and the American Foundation for the Blind. If you're computer-shy yourself and have curious kids of about nine to eleven, this is a simple way to teach them the basics. For those older than that, I'd suggest trying online tutorials or the library, because they'll learn this stuff quickly and probably want to go beyond it.
For other reviews of Web Design for Kids, click here.
Dewey's Disclaimer: This product was received free for review purposes. No other payment was received.
